Reggae Drumming Legend Sly Dunbar Passes Away at 73

Sly Dunbar, the pioneering reggae drummer and one-half of iconic duo Sly & Robbie, died on January 26, 2026, at age 73 in Kingston, Jamaica. At home, he was found unresponsive by his wife Thelma; the reason was not revealed. Dunbar did create the sound of modern reggae rockers with bassist Robbie Shakespeare (d. 2021) on songs by Bob Marley (Punky Reggae Party), Black Uhuru and Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and others, including Grace Jones, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Grammy winner (1985, 1999) 13 times nominated, he drummed the classics of Revolutionaries such as the Policeman and Thieves by Junior Murvin. Condolences pour in from Ali Campbell of UB40 and music lovers around the world in memory of his rhythmic legacy.

Sly & Robbie Legacy

Sly & Robbie defined reggae with unhurried grooves, producing via Taxi Records for Shaggy, Beenie Man. Brian Eno noted 90% of reggae tracks feature Dunbar’s drums.​

Collaborations Impact

Marley anthems were driven by Dunbar beats, Maxi Priest, Easy to Love, dancehall, and world music have been influenced by 200 plus albums.

Tributes Worldwide

UB40 lamented his riddim innovations; Rolling Stone acclaimed mastery that was rock-solid. Family thanks supporters.​

Official Social Embed

Embed this working Facebook post from The Wailers honoring Sly Dunbar: 

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